Vasculitides Flashcards
What are vasculitides
Inflammatory processes in the walls of affected blood vessels
systemic or constitutional Sx w/ evidence of organ dysfunction
How do large vessel vasculitides present
limb claudication
asymetric BP
absence of pulse, bruits, aortic dilation
How do medium vessel vasculitides present
cutaneous nosules ulcers digital gangrene mononeuritis multiplex microaneurysms
How do small vessel vasculitides present
Purpura, vesicobullous lesions, urticaria, splinter hemorrhages
Necrotizing granulomas, uveitis, scleritis
Glomerulonephritis
Alveolar hemorrhage
What is polymyalgia rheumatica
vasculitis associated with GCA
50+
Women mostly
How does polymyalgia rheumatica present
stiffness, aching, pain in muscles of neck, shoulder, pelvic girdle
Difficulty combing hair, putting on coat, rising form chair
Fever, malaise, weight loss
How do you diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica
Clinically (pain and stiffness)
anemia
elevated acute phase reactants
How do you treat polymyalgia rheumatica
Prednisone low dose (10-20) x 2-4 weeks- will respond in 72 hrs!
Slow taper
monitor for GCA development
These markers tell you it is polymyalgia rheumatica and not another vasculitis
NO muscle weakness
Does not cause blindness
Responds to low dose prednisone
What is polyarteritis nodosa
Necrotizing inflammation of medium vessels and small arteries 2/2 PMN infiltration, may be associated with Hep B (NOT genetics)
Where does polyarteritis nodosa typically show up
skin joints muscles peripheral nerves GI kidney (NOT the lungs!)
S/Sx of polyarteritis nodosa are
Extremity arthralgia, myalgia, or neuropathy
Skin ulcers*, distal gangrene
Foot drop (peripheral mononeuritis)
Intestinal angina
Renal insufficiency (but NO glomerulonephritis)
Labs for polyarteritis nodosa will show
anemia, leukocytosis, elevated ESR
ANCA- Negative
(make sure you test for HBsAg and HBeAg)
To diagnose polyarteritis nodosa you need
Tissue biopsy of an involved organ
Angiogram finding aneurysmal dilations in renal, mesenteric, or hepatic arteries
How do you treat polyarteritis nodosa
High dose corticosteroids
Refractory: Cyclophosphamide (prophylaxis against P. jirovecii)